Country: USA
Genre: Metalcore
Release: 2026
For fans of: As I Lay Dying, Parkway Drive, The Devil Wears Prada, Killswitch Engage
Review | Metal Territory
August Burns Red return with Season of Surrender, their tenth album and one of the heaviest they’ve released in years. Although they started out within Christian metalcore, today they operate almost agnostically, with positivity remaining as a signature style but without the strong religious element. The band has had the same line‑up since 2006, and it shows: the chemistry is effortless, the ideas connect naturally and the execution is steady.
Matt Greiner remains the heart of the band. His playing is technical, powerful and clean, without falling into cliché. JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler continue to be underrated guitarists, but here they deliver some of the most brutal breakdowns of their career, with rhythm and groove that recall deathcore without losing their metalcore identity.
The album has a clear connection to the Messengers era, with tracks that hit exactly where they should. “Legions” reaches the lowest growls Jake Luhrs has ever delivered, while “Behemoth” is absolutely crushing. “Den of Thieves” is one of the best songs they’ve ever written, with a riff that stays in your head and a rhythm that never lets up.
“Cerebral Malfunction” has weak lyrics, with a strange irony toward therapy that doesn’t land well. “Sonic Salvation” uses the classic trope of music as escape, and although it’s musically solid, some choruses don’t stand up as strongly. Even so, Luhrs shows more range than ever, with clean and harsh vocals that fit perfectly.
“Forged by Failure” has an opening riff so groovy and heavy it feels made for a show closer. “Whispers Like Splinters” and “S.O.S.” carry on with steady intensity, while “New Horizons” gives a more open, almost optimistic note before the album closes.
Season of Surrender is an album that shows August Burns Red in their tightest, most dynamic and heaviest form. It won’t change the minds of those who don’t like them, but for fans it’s one of their strongest works in years. Lean, direct, without needless fillers, and full of energy that recalls the best moments of their career.
Line‑up: Jake Luhrs – Vocals JB Brubaker – Guitar Brent Rambler – Guitar Matt Greiner – Drums Dustin Davidson – Bass
Tracklist:
- Legions (feat. Mike Hranica)
- The Nameless
- Behemoth
- Den of Thieves
- Sonic Salvation (feat. Jamie Hails)
- Cerebral Malfunction (feat. Make Them Suffer)
- Tear of the Clouds
- Whispers Like Splinters
- S.O.S.
- New Horizons
- Forged by Failure
Record label: Fearless Records
Websites: Bandcamp | Official website
